Basic Treatment Planning

Xerostomia Salivary production decreases within 1 st week RT

Severity depends on:

– Dose and fractionation of radiation – No. of glands irradiated (unilateral or bilateral) – Minor salivary glands assoc with resting saliva production

Glands most affected = Parotid

Loss of Salivary function complete and permanent after doses >35Gy

Significant evidence that IMRT prevents xerostomia